Library Studies Specialization

Students selecting this specialization learn about the functional activities associated with the profession of librarianship, such as collection development, public services, cataloging and classification, service to children and young adults, and outreach to underserved populations. Students may also take classes that prepare them to work in a particular type of library, such as public, academic, or corporate. The specialization stresses the core values of the profession as articulated by the American Library Association: access, confidentiality and privacy, democracy, education and lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, preservation, the public good, professionalism, service, and social responsibility. When students graduate, not only will they have the basic professional skills expected of all beginning librarians, they will also have an understanding of the dynamic nature of the field that will enable them to develop as leaders for the profession.